Examining the Putative Antioxidant Properties of Linoleic and Linolenic Fatty Acids in Living Cells

Scholars Day Student Work

Examining the Putative Antioxidant Properties of Linoleic and Linolenic Fatty Acids in Living Cells

by Grant Herrington
Biology
Faculty advisor: Dr. Brian Lenzmeier

The purported antioxidant effects of linoleic and linolenic acids have not been elucidated experimentally at this point in time. This study is being undertaken to investigate the potential role of linoleic and linolenic fatty acids in influencing the ability of yeast cells to survive in conditions of oxidative stress such as paraquat and hydrogen peroxide exposure. It is hypothesized that linoleic and linolenic acids could potentially serve a protecting role for yeast cells in conditions of oxidative stress. We are currently growing yeast cells in medium with and without the fatty acids and exposing them to various forms of oxidative stress. We will present the findings of these experiments at this meeting.